The city is named after the Coeur d'Alene People, a tribe of
Native Americans who lived along the rivers and lakes of the region when
discovered by French fur traders in the early 19th century. The name Coeur
d'Alene translated into English means Heart of an Awl, a reflection of the
perception of the tribe's traders as very tough businessmen.

Today, Coeur d'Alene is a resort town, with the Coeur
d'Alene Resort taking up a prominent portion of the city's downtown. It is also
located near two major ski resorts, Silver Mountain Resort to the east
Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort to the north. The area is surrounded by dozens
of lakes left behind by the glaciers of the ice age. There are more than 55
lakes within easy driving distance of Coeur d'Alene, but none more scenic and
full of activities than Lake Coeur d'Alene itself.